3 minute read

Progressive galloper Nat King Cu will face his toughest test to date this weekend but Canberra based trainer Nick Olive is confident he can make the step up.

While he proved to be over the top last time he failed in Saturday company, Olive is confident he has Nat King Cu heading in the right direction for this Saturday's affair.

"The step up in trip should definitely suit, he's drawn a nice barrier and I expect him to run a decent race," Olive said.

"I thought he went terrific last start, it's just at both his starts back this time in he has blundered the start which has cost him being able to win.

"He's come through the run well and has improved heading into Saturday's race."

Stepping out at just his ninth career start the four-year-old son of King Cugat has already shown plenty of ability with Olive stating his immaturity as his only drawback.

"He's still probably not quite there mentally, you could almost describe him as being a bit dumb but he's got plenty of ability so I'm hoping that will carry him through this weekend," Olive said.

Lining up against a full field of 17 at Rosehill on Saturday, Olive is expecting him to be right around the mark.

"I think it's quite an open race on Saturday, I really don't think there is a standout and I expect him to be very competitive," Olive said.

"The ten days between runs is probably a little bit of unknown with him but apart from that I couldn't fault him."

Apprentice rider Sean Guymer will link aboard the four-year-old for the first time with Olive hoping he will able to settle closer to the speed this time around.

"We've put Sean [Guymer]on board to claim a couple of kilograms which will see him sit further down in the weights which will be to our advantage," Olive said.

"I would definitely like to see him settle a lot closer to the speed on Saturday."

While not one to hide his high opinion of his galloper Olive claims there is no master plan at this stage as he just hopes he can continue to prove competitive.

"I'm just hoping to place him in races that he's going to be competitive in, there is no great or extreme plan with him," Olive said.

"We just want to see him he win more races and hopefully he can make the step up in grade along the way."